Washington was heavily involved in the coal industry – men working in the dirty and dangerous pits and women supporting them in many ways above the ground. The new town development coincided with the gradual closing of the mines.New industries followed: some ex-pitmen went to work at the RCA record pressing plant which opened in 1970 and until 1980 Timex was also an employer. Major employers BAE systems and Rolls Royce added to Washington’s industrial success story. The Nissan car manufacturing plant started in 1984. Within 20 years Washington’s industries were transformed.A Miner’s Town Written by Paige TemperleyRattle of the cage on the ropesJust a young apprentice full of hope In a town where everything was coalMother waits at homeA fiery furnace now awaitsNoise that no-one can escapeBoys lean on each other or you’ll breakWhen darkness callsIf I’d known then what I know nowI’m not so sure that I’d go downBound together undergroundA Miner’s townMan Rider leads you to the pitFor another dark day in the abyssMorale’s for keeping up remember kids‘Til we reach the surfaceHeat it hits you in the faceWhatever was up there has been replacedDanger becomes just another dayA constant serviceIf I’d known then what I know nowI’m not so sure that I’d go downBound together undergroundA Miner’s townDash through the showers ladsThere’s a pint to be hadLast orders half tenHome, bed and go againMaybe soon we’ll see the lightUntil then we’ll sell our timeSame risks keep us tightThink we’re due another strikeIf I’d known then what I know nowI’m not so sure that I’d go downBound together undergroundA Miner’s townGuests:Washington Community Podcasting Group and Mac Stephenson, Ged Parker, Jim Metcalf, Brenda Naisby, Irene McAdam, Mike Laws, Harry Hindess, Linda Chapman and Martin ChapmanMusic and ProductionProduced by: Grace Stubbings & the Washington Community Podcasting GroupMusic by: David Brewis & Paige TemperleyExecutive Producers: Caroline Mitchell & Jude MurphyAbout the ProjectThis episode was developed in collaboration with:Washington Heritage PartnershipSunderland City Council’s Washington Area CommitteeSunderland Culture at The Arts Centre WashingtonBaseline ShiftWe Make CultureSupported by:The University of SunderlandThe National Lottery Heritage FundAcknowledgmentsSpecial thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible.

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